March 15, 2006 - Whale Watching Season Is Winding Down
The spring whale migration along the California coast is well underway, but there's still time to catch a glimpse of these appealing mammals as they head north for the summer.
Whales traveling with their calves tend to hug the shoreline, so your chances of spotting them from land are much better in spring than during the winter migration. The best places to go whale watching on land are along headlands and promontories, and some areas offer special programs and whale walks.
If you want a closer view, there are many locales where you'll find whale watching tours offered. And there are still a few whale watching festivals you can catch in March and April.
But if you miss the spring migration, don't despair. The nutrient rich waters of the Monterey area attract whales of various species year round. You can always catch a whale watching cruise there, or enjoy their whale festivals in May and September.
January 30, 2006 - A Chocolate Valentine in Ventura County
Ventura County's First Annual Chocolate Festival
February 11 - 12, 2006
This Festival celebrates Valentine's Day and everything chocolate. There will be several competitions, including a chocolate baking competition, a chocolate tower building competition, and a chef's contest. There will be a raffle for a Harley Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle, live music and more. Over 100 booths will offer chocolate-related wares.
The Festival will be held at Seaside Park, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students, seniors and members of the military. A special family rate of $20 offers two days admission for groups of five or more. Each ticket includes 10 free credits for chocolate samples. Raffle tickets are $20 each or six for $100.
The Festival is sponsored by Adelphia Media Services, and presented by The Restoring Hope Foundation of Southern California, Inc./Children?s Heart Fund of Southern California (RHFSC/CHFSC) to raise money for the specialized medical treatment of the victimized children of the Chernobyl disaster.
January 18, 2006 - Mendocino Crab and Wine Days
Mendocino Crab and Wine Days
January 20 - 29, 2006
At this festival of food and wine, you'll be able to meet the fishermen, and go on a variety of excursions, including crab cruises, whale watching trips, fishing trips and sunset cruises -- all leaving daily from Noyo Harbor next to Fort Bragg.
Local chefs will be on hand to share their secrets with you, and local winemakers and brewmasters will help you pair the crab dishes with the right wine or beer. Cooking classes will be offered just about every day.
Local restaurants will feature crab specials during the festival, and the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse will offer special events. There will be winemaker dinners, and wine tasting at local wineries.
